Oct 15, 2011

Alzheimer's disease caregivers are typically the first to notice when their loved one's symptoms are becoming worse and whether the disease may be progressing to the next stage, which is why caregivers are essential partners in disease management discussions.

This is a very interesting survey of Alzheimer's caregivers.

Alzheimer's Reading Room

This is an interesting survey of Alzheimer's caregivers.

After you read the results below tell us your reaction. Feel free to weigh in with your own opinions. This survey should be interesting to support groups for discussion. If you would like a printable version of this article look for the link at the end of the survey.

60 percent of AD caregivers surveyed said they feel overwhelmed

55 percent of AD caregivers surveyed said caring for their loved one has taken a toll on their own health

Women surveyed were more likely to worry "all the time" compared to men [13 percent versus 3 percent]. Also, women were less likely than men to feel that they have enough support to take care of themselves and their own needs [60 percent versus 76 percent]

The three greatest caregiver concerns about the progression of their loved one's AD were memory loss (41 percent), personal safety (33 percent) and confusion (27 percent)

84 percent of caregivers of loved ones with severe AD surveyed said caregiving frequently stops them from participating in activities that they enjoy, which is more than caregivers of loved ones with mild (67 percent) and moderate (68 percent) AD

Results announced today from a national survey of Alzheimer's disease (AD) caregivers found that memory loss and confusion, which are cognitive symptoms, in addition to personal safety, are the greatest concerns related to the progression of their loved one's AD.

In fact, 67 percent of AD caregivers surveyed said changes in cognitive symptoms were among their main concerns. The survey of 524 non-professional caregivers, which was conducted by Harris Interactive in September 2010 for Eisai Inc. and Pfizer Inc. (NYSE: PFE) in partnership with the Alzheimer's Foundation of America (AFA), provides insight into the current state of caring for a loved one with AD in the United States.

"These survey results reveal that changes in cognition as the disease progresses were an important concern among caregivers," said Eric J. Hall, president and Chief Executive Officer of AFA. "We encourage caregivers and health care professionals to discuss these changes and any others during regular visits."

As Alzheimer's disease – a progressive brain disease typically characterized by three stages: mild, moderate and severe – changes over time, caregivers and their healthcare professionals may wish to regularly discuss modifications in lifestyle and treatment.

According to the survey, the majority of AD caregivers are proactive participants in the dialogue and decision-making around their loved one's disease, and 75 percent of those surveyed were either "satisfied" or "very satisfied" with the communication they have with their loved one's health care professional. For the remaining 25 percent (who are either "somewhat" or "not at all satisfied"), there may be room for improvement in this dialogue.

"AD caregivers are typically the first to notice when their loved one's symptoms are becoming worse and whether the disease may be progressing to the next stage, which is why caregivers are essential partners in disease management discussions," said Barry W. Rovner, M.D., director of the Division of Geriatric Psychiatry and professor in the departments of Neurology and Psychiatry at Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia. "In the face of this devastating chronic and progressive disease, it is important for AD caregivers to know about the available educational resources, support networks and treatments in order to enhance these discussions at all stages of the disease."

Key Survey Findings

Following are results illustrating the difficulties faced by caregivers, concerns about disease progression and discussions with health care professionals, highlighting differences between men and women. Of note, 173 males and 351 females were surveyed, which is reflective of the overall unpaid AD caregiver population, in which caregivers are more likely to be female.

Difficulties Faced by Caregivers

55 percent of AD caregivers surveyed said caring for their loved one has taken a toll on their own health

Women surveyed were more likely to worry "all the time" compared to men [13 percent versus 3 percent]. Also, women were less likely than men to feel that they have enough support to take care of themselves and their own needs [60 percent versus 76 percent]

60 percent of AD caregivers surveyed said they feel overwhelmed

Women surveyed were more likely to consider "maintaining relationships with family or friends" as a challenge compared to men [47 percent versus 31 percent]

84 percent of caregivers of loved ones with severe AD surveyed said caregiving frequently stops them from participating in activities that they enjoy, which is more than caregivers of loved ones with mild (67 percent) and moderate (68 percent) AD

Concerns About Disease Progression

The three greatest caregiver concerns about the progression of their loved one's AD were memory loss (41 percent), personal safety (33 percent) and confusion (27 percent)

67 percent of AD caregivers surveyed named at least one change in cognitive symptoms as a main concern about the progression of their loved one's AD

Men surveyed were more likely to be concerned about memory loss compared to women [50 percent versus 37 percent]

Discussions with Health Care Professionals

Men surveyed were more likely to be satisfied with communication with their health care professional compared to women [84 percent versus 70 percent]. Also, men were more likely to regularly discuss options for information or support [26 percent versus 14 percent]

53 percent of AD caregivers surveyed who said they were not very involved (somewhat or not at all involved) in these interactions were dissatisfied with their loved one's treatment, as compared with 31 percent who said they were engaged

The survey was conducted by Harris Interactive in September 2010 for Eisai Inc. and Pfizer Inc. in partnership with AFA.

A total of 524 non-professional adult AD caregivers, including those of mild, moderate and severe AD patients, were surveyed. Caregivers were asked to classify the stage of their loved one's AD, as identified by their loved one's health care professional.

Respondents for this survey were selected from among those who have agreed to participate in Harris Interactive surveys. The data have been weighted to reflect the composition of the U.S. non-professional AD caregiver population. Because the sample is based on those who agreed to participate in the Harris Interactive panel, no estimates of theoretical sampling error can be calculated. A full methodology is available. Funding was provided by Eisai Inc. and Pfizer Inc.

Alzheimer's Foundation of America

The Alzheimer's Foundation of America, based in New York, is a non-profit organization that unites more than 1,400 member organizations nationwide with the goal of providing optimal care and services to individuals confronting dementia and to their caregivers and families.

Its services include a toll-free hotline, educational materials, a free quarterly magazine for caregivers and professional training. For more information, call toll-free 866-AFA-8484 or visit www.alzfdn.org.

Eisai Inc.

Eisai Inc. was established in 1995 and is ranked among the top 20 U.S. pharmaceutical companies (based on retail sales). Pfizer Inc.: Working together for a healthier world™

Every day, Pfizer colleagues work across developed and emerging markets to advance wellness, prevention, treatments and cures that challenge the most feared diseases of our time. Consistent with our responsibility as the world's leading biopharmaceutical company, we also collaborate with health care providers, governments and local communities to support and expand access to reliable, affordable health care around the world. For more than 150 years, Pfizer has worked to make a difference for all who rely on us.

To learn more about our commitments, please visit us at www.pfizer.com.

Harris Interactive

Harris Interactive is one of the world's leading custom market research firms, leveraging research, technology and business acumen to transform relevant insight into actionable foresight.

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